Accuracy of tree growth measurements using dendrometer bands

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2454-2457 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.D. Keeland ◽  
R.R. Sharitz
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Species Differences ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
First Year ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Dendrometer Bands ◽  
Regression Slopes ◽  
Angiosperm Species ◽  
The Individual

Dendrometer bands are commonly used to make repeated measurements of tree circumference despite their tendency to underestimate first-year growth. Underestimates of growth are generally attributed to slack remaining in the bands after installation. To test for first-year measurement errors, 60 trees were fitted with a second dendrometer band 2 years after installation of the first band. The new bands consistently showed significantly less growth than the old bands (old-band measurements were assumed to represent true growth). Regression equations were developed to relate new-band estimates to true growth. There were no significant differences in regression intercepts for the three tree species tested, but significant differences in regression slopes were detected. Comparisons between canopy and subcanopy trees and between angiosperm species (Nyssaaquatica L. and Nyssasylvatica var. biflora (Walter) Sargent) and a gymnosperm (Taxodiumdistichumn (L.) Rich.) explained 95.7% of the variance in regression slopes for the individual species. It appears that in addition to band slack, part of the first-year error in dendrometer band data may result from species differences that are related to bark and stem characteristics.

Growth, seed set and nitrogen fixation of 28 annual legume species on 3 Vertosol soils in southern New South Wales

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
G. A. Sandral ◽  
M. B. Peoples ◽  
B. C. D. Wilson ◽  
J. N. Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Set ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
First Year ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Melilotus Albus ◽  
Mass Size ◽  
The Individual

The adaptation of 28 annual legume species to heavy clay cracking soils prone to waterlogging during winter was evaluated at 3 sites ranging in pH (CaCl2) from 4.6 to 5.4 in the wheatbelt of southern NSW. The 32 accessions and cultivars included Medicago arabica, M. polymorpha, Melilotus albus (syn. M. alba), Trigonella balansae, and 24 Trifolium species. Species identified as potentially valuable new plants for these environments included Trifolium hirtum, T. echinatum, T. glanduliferum and M. arabica for winter production, and M. albus, T. echinatum, T. glanduliferum, T. isthmocarpum, T. pauciflorum, and T. purpureum for spring production. Current cultivars of T. subterraneum subsp. brachycalycinum cv. Clare, and subsp. yanninicum, cv. Riverina, T. resupinatum cvv. Kyambro, Nitro and Prolific, and T. michelianum cvv. Bolta and Paradana, and M. polymorpha cv. Santiago, also proved well adapted. Average seed mass (size) of the legume species varied from 0.3 mg to 8.9 mg/seed with a negative curvilinear relationship between individual seed mass of a species and the number of seed set at all 3 sites (r2 = 0.59–0.89). Seed mass of a species did not influence winter productivity or seed yield. The percentage of nitrogen biologically fixed by the individual species in the first year averaged over the 3 sites varied from 30 to 75%. Species which fixed the highest proportion of their nitrogen requirement were T. subterraneum, M. arabica, T. isthmocarpum and T. resupinatum cv. Kyambro, all fixing >62% of their shoot nitrogen and having a nitrogen content >3.0%. In contrast, T. sylvaticum, T. cherleri, T. spumosum, T. stellatum and T. glomeratum performed poorly at most sites, and fixed <42% of their nitrogen requirements (averaged over 3 sites) with <2.5% nitrogen in their tissue in spring.

A comparison of different predictors of the lean content of pig carcasses 2. Predictors for use in population studies and experiments

1979 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Evans ◽  
A. J. Kempster
Keyword(s):  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Linear Measurements ◽  
Individual Measurement ◽  
Feeding Regimes ◽  
Regression Slopes ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Pig Carcasses

ABSTRACTLinear measurements and sample joint dissections were examined as predictors of carcass lean percentage using data from 1060 carcasses comprising 108 subgroups (nine genotypes × two sexes × two feeding regimes × three slaughter weights). The potential predictors were examined in terms of precision, cost and the stability of their regression equations.Probed fat thickness 6·5 cm from the dorsal mid-line at the last rib (P2) was the individual measurement giving the most precise prediction (residual s.d. pooled within subgroups = 2·21 percentage units; r = −0·72). The square root transformation (P2½) gave stable regression slopes over levels of all four factors, though there were important differences in intercepts between genotypes, sexes and slaughter weights.The precision of prediction from the lean percentage of sample joints was generally improved by including P2½ with each in multiple regression. Used in this way with current Meat and Livestock Commission costings, the ham joint offered the best compromise between cost and precision (pooled residual s.d. = 1·25 percentage units; R = 0·92). Regression slopes on each joint were stable for all factors except for those on the rump back and rib back joints which varied by feeding regime. Intercepts varied by genotypes for all joints except the ham, while intercept differences for feeding regimes were small or non-significant.The results confirm the value of the ‘sub-sampling with regression’ procedure for predicting carcass composition.

scholarly journals Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis: Powerful Tools for an Improved Diagnosis of Fish Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Group Members

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 797
Author(s):  
Davide Mugetti ◽  
Mattia Tomasoni ◽  
Paolo Pastorino ◽  
Giuseppe Esposito ◽  
Vasco Menconi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Identification System ◽  
Mycobacterium Fortuitum ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Species Determination ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
The Individual

The Mycobacterium fortuitum group (MFG) consists of about 15 species of fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These globally distributed microorganisms can cause diseases in humans and animals, especially fish. The increase in the number of species belonging to MFG and the diagnostic techniques panel do not allow to clarify their real clinical significance. In this study, biomolecular techniques were adopted for species determination of 130 isolates derived from fish initially identified through biochemical tests as NTM belonging to MFG. Specifically, gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used based on a fragment of the gene encoding the 65 KDa heat shock protein (hsp65). The analyzes made it possible to confirm that all the isolates belong to MFG, allowing to identify the strains at species level. Phylogenetic analysis substantially confirmed what was obtained by gene sequencing, except for six strains; this is probably due to the sequences present in NCBI database. Although the methodology used cannot represent a univocal identification system, this study has allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness as regards the species of MFG. Future studies will be necessary to apply these methods with other gene fragments and to clarify the real pathogenic significance of the individual species of this group of microorganisms.

scholarly journals ON THE UNIFORM CONVERGENCE OF DECONVOLUTION ESTIMATORS FROM REPEATED MEASUREMENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Daisuke Kurisu ◽  
Taisuke Otsu
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Measurement Error ◽  
Uniform Convergence ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Convergence Rates ◽  
Free Variable ◽  
Error Model ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Empirical Characteristic Function ◽  
Measurement Error Model

This paper studies the uniform convergence rates of Li and Vuong’s (1998, Journal of Multivariate Analysis 65, 139–165; hereafter LV) nonparametric deconvolution estimator and its regularized version by Comte and Kappus (2015, Journal of Multivariate Analysis 140, 31–46) for the classical measurement error model, where repeated noisy measurements on the error-free variable of interest are available. In contrast to LV, our assumptions allow unbounded supports for the error-free variable and measurement errors. Compared to Bonhomme and Robin (2010, Review of Economic Studies 77, 491–533) specialized to the measurement error model, our assumptions do not require existence of the moment generating functions of the square and product of repeated measurements. Furthermore, by utilizing a maximal inequality for the multivariate normalized empirical characteristic function process, we derive uniform convergence rates that are faster than the ones derived in these papers under such weaker conditions.

Test–Retest Reliability of the Mini-BESTest in People With Mild to Moderate Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Wallin ◽  
M Kierkegaard ◽  
E Franzén ◽  
S Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Minimal Detectable Change ◽  
Detectable Change ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Objective The mini-BESTest is a balance measure for assessment of the underlying physiological systems for balance control in adults. Evaluations of test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest in larger samples of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest total and section sum scores and individual items in people with mild to moderate overall MS disability. Methods This study used a test–retest design in a movement laboratory setting. Fifty-four people with mild to moderate overall MS disability according to the Expanded Disability Status scale (EDSS) were included, with 28 in the mild subgroup (EDSS 2.0–3.5) and 26 in the moderate subgroup (EDSS 4.0–5.5). Test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest was evaluated by repeated measurements taken 1 week apart. Reliability and measurement error were analyzed. Results Test–retest reliability for the total scores were considered good to excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients of .88 for the whole sample, .83 for the mild MS subgroup, and .80 for the moderate MS subgroup. Measurement errors were small, with standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change of 1.3 and 3.5, respectively, in mild MS, and 1.7 and 4.7, respectively, in moderate MS. The limits of agreement were − 3.4 and 4.6. Test–retest reliability for the section scores were fair to good or excellent; weighted kappa values ranged from .62 to .83. All items but 1 showed fair to good or excellent test–retest reliability, and percentage agreement ranged from 61% to 100%. Conclusions The mini-BESTest demonstrated good to excellent test–retest reliability and small measurement errors and is recommended for use in people with mild to moderate MS. Impact Knowledge of limits of agreement and minimal detectable change contribute to interpretability of the mini-BESTest total score. The findings of this study enhance the clinical usefulness of the test for evaluation of balance control and for designing individually customized balance training with high precision and accuracy in people with MS.

scholarly journals Controlling response dependence in the measurement of change using the Rasch model

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 3709-3725 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Andrich
Keyword(s):  
Rasch Model ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Measurement Of Change ◽  
Location Parameters ◽  
Response Dependence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Rasch Model ◽  
Research And Policy

The advantages of using person location estimates from the Rasch model over raw scores for the measurement of change using a common test include the linearization of scores and the automatic handling of statistical properties of repeated measurements. However, the application of the model requires that the responses to the items are statistically independent in the sense that the specific responses to the items on the first time of testing do not affect the responses at a second time. This requirement implies that the responses to the items at both times of assessment are governed only by the invariant location parameters of the items at the two times of testing and the location parameters of each person each time. A specific form of dependence that is pertinent when the same items are used is when the observed response to an item at the second time of testing is affected by the response to the same item at the first time, a form of dependence which has been referred to as response dependence. This paper presents the logic of applying the Rasch model to quantify, control and remove the effect of response dependence in the measurement of change when the same items are used on two occasions. The logic is illustrated with four sets of simulation studies with dichotomous items and with a small example of real data. It is shown that the presence of response dependence can reduce the evidence of change, a reduction which may impact interpretations at the individual, research, and policy levels.

Taxonomic application of macro and micro morphological characters of seeds in Astragalus L. (Galegeae, Fabaceae) in India

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 502 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-207
Author(s):  
SHIVANI KASHYAP ◽  
CHANDAN KUMAR SAHU ◽  
ROHIT KUMAR VERMA ◽  
LAL BABU CHAUDHARY
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Seed Coat ◽  
Morphological Plasticity ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Scanning Electron

Due to large size and enormous morphological plasticity, the taxonomy of the genus Astragalus is very complex and challenging. The identification and grouping of species chiefly based on macromorphological characters become sometimes difficult in the genus. In the present study, the micromorphology of the seeds of 30 species belonging to 14 sections of Astragalus from India has been examined applying scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with light microscopy (LM) to evaluate their role in identification and classification. Attention was paid to colour, shape, size and surface of seeds. The overall size of the seeds ranges from 1.5–3.2 × 0.8–2.2 mm. The shape of the seeds is cordiform, deltoid, mitiform, orbicular, ovoid and reniform. The colour of seeds varies from brown to blackish-brown to black. Papillose, reticulate, ribbed, rugulate and stellate patterns were observed on the seed coat surface (spermoderm) among different species. The study reveals that the seed coat ornamentations have evolved differently among species and do not support the subgeneric and sectional divisions of the genus. However, they add an additional feature to the individual species, which may help in identification in combination with other macro-morphological features.

scholarly journals Nutritional Status as an Important Factor in the Health Status of the Adult

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
J.H.P. Jonxis
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Fat Metabolism ◽  
Western World ◽  
First Year ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Permanent Damage ◽  
The Individual ◽  
First Year Of Life ◽  
Breast Fed

Malnutrition in the first year of life may cause permanent damage to the individual. There may be a permanent retardation in growth if the malnutrition is a serious one and the food intake is severely insufficient over a longer, period. Specially when malnutrition occurs in the first months after birth, it may cause damage to the central nervous system.As long as the breast-fed child gets enough breastmilk, it is unlikely that serious problems  arise. The declinein feeding in many developing countries is a serious problem, especially because the alternatives for human milk are not always available, owing to economic factors. In the, countries of the Western world there exists just, the opposite problem owing to partial over-nutrition abnormalities in fat metabolism may occur, which may influence the health of the individual later on in life.

scholarly journals Sourcebook update: intestinal smooth muscle contractility and autonomic control

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip D. Langton
Keyword(s):  
First Year ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contractility ◽  
Gut Motility ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Authentic Inquiry ◽  
Student Teams ◽  
Functional Antagonism ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Design Experiments

This laboratory practical requires first-year students to anticipate the effects of drugs active at cholinergic and adrenergic receptors on gut motility in order to design experiments during an authentic inquiry exercise. Rather than specifying a strict sequence of drug additions that aim to provide ideal demonstrations of pharmacological and physiological antagonism, I have instead designed switches into the drugs provided and set students, working in small teams, the task of identifying the switched drugs, an inquiry activity. To extend the teamwork aspect, laboratory reports were submitted by the student teams rather than individual students. Staff observed that discussions within the teams were stimulated by the inquiry-led nature of the practical. The quality of the laboratory reports submitted by teams were substantially improved over the individual reports submitted in previous years. (Students previously worked in teams, but simply followed a list of prescribed experiments and wrote individual reports.) Although, in conversation, teams of students had an improved understanding of the regulation of gut motility by the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and could readily distinguish between pharmacological and functional antagonism, no attempt was made to evaluate learning because the revision was triggered by the observed effect of a technical error and was not otherwise planned. It is likely that laboratory practicals, in general, would benefit from inclusion of inquiry.

The individual and health sector costs of asthma: the first year of a longitudinal study in New South Wales

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 429-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Kenny ◽  
Emily Lancsar ◽  
Jane Hall ◽  
Madeleine King ◽  
Meredyth Chaplin
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
First Year ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Individual
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